Chapter 121 The Apex Hunter

Chapter 121 The Apex Hunter

Stephanie's POV

For the first time, Ivan and William's usually unreadable faces cracked, revealing pure, unguarded shock.

Across from me, Bennett's complexion drained so fast it was almost visible, leaving him pale as bone. His eyes were blades dipped in venom, as if he could carve me into pieces right there.

Afraid already? The real show hasn't even begun.

The final dance of the evening.

When the familiar strains of a waltz drifted through the ballroom, I felt it immediately—that searing gaze.

Bennett.

He had the audacity to approach. Cutting through the crowd, his lips curled into a smile that was part obsession, part triumph, and he extended a hand toward me.

"Stephanie," he said, voice low, "this time, surely you'll give me the honor?"

He must have thought that after the chaos earlier, I would bow to some pathetic notion of keeping the peace. Too bad for him—he's never understood that certain lines are carved in stone. I don't retreat. Not one step.

I was opening my mouth to refuse when another hand—broad, strong, the grip precise—slid in from my side and clasped Bennett's suspended hand.

Karon.

"Mr. Lightwood," he said, his smile the polite, distant mask of a seasoned businessman, though the pressure in his grip made Bennett's expression flicker with discomfort. "I'm afraid this dance is already reserved."

He didn't give Bennett the courtesy of a pause. Turning, he offered his hand to me with the elegance of a prince stepping out of a forgotten century.

"Beautiful lady, would you grant me this dance?"

Gasps rippled through the crowd again.

It was almost a mirror of that night at the graduation gala, when he had stolen my first dance right out of Bennett's grasp. Only now, Bennett's face was even uglier, twisted with rage and humiliation.

I let my gaze linger on him, savoring the sight, before placing my hand in Karon's palm.

"My honor."

We stepped into the dance floor.

His hand settled at my waist, that familiar heat seeping through the thin fabric of my gown, wrapping around me like a claim. We moved in perfect rhythm, our steps sweeping us across the polished floor, the hem of my dress lifting and swirling with each turn.

Every time he drew me close, the cedar scent clinging to him filled my senses. The restrained tension in his muscles was palpable beneath the tailored suit.

"You seem to enjoy watching him squirm," Karon murmured against my ear, his breath warm against my skin.

"And you don't?" I tilted my head, meeting the glint in his eyes.

His laugh was low, deep, resonating in his chest, and it was sin incarnate.

The host stepped onto the stage then, ready for the evening's final formality. By tradition, the largest donor of the night would give the closing speech. That role was meant for Bennett. But judging by his expression, he wasn't in any state to deliver it.

The host hesitated, awkwardly scanning the room.

I slipped from Karon's hold and walked straight to the stage.

Under a wave of stunned stares, I took the microphone from the host.

"Good evening, everyone."

My voice wasn't loud, but the sound system carried it clearly to every corner of the ballroom.

"First, on behalf of the Valerius Pack, I'd like to thank you all for joining us tonight."

I paused, letting my gaze sweep the audience. Faces stared back at me—shock, confusion, anticipation—before my eyes locked on Bennett and Joe, their pallor now absolute.

"Earlier tonight, I made a wager with Mr. Pritchett."

"Many of you believe it's an impossible task."

"But here's the thing…"

I drew in a breath.

"There is nothing the Valerius Pack cannot do."

"So, to make this wager a little more… entertaining," I said, the corner of my mouth lifting into a confident smile, "I've decided to partner with the Thorn Pack to launch a New Generation Leadership Initiative."

Gasps broke the air.

"Our two families will jointly fund a new specialized investment program. And the very first project will be a full-scale support and restructuring of Starlight Corp—the company that's been whispered about all night."

The ballroom erupted.

"My God—partnering with the Thorn Pack?!"

"She's insane!"

Even Ivan and William looked openly stunned now.

Bennett and Joe? The fury in their eyes had been replaced by something far more satisfying—fear.

When the gala ended, I wasn't surprised to find myself in Karon's car once more.

"So tell me, my queen," he said, glancing at me with a half-smile, "what game are you playing this time?"

"I just think," I replied, meeting the penetrating depth of his gaze, "that the Starlight Corp situation is far from over."

"My people are already looking into it," Karon said, his tone cooling.

"Bennett has been quietly contacting the remaining minor shareholders of Starlight Corp."

His words clicked the final piece of the puzzle into place in my mind.

By the time I returned to the manor, the night had deepened.

Anna met me at the door, holding out a secure phone. "Miss, a call from Mr. Mortlock."

I pressed the answer button.

"Stephanie," Richard's steady voice came over the line, "I have the results you asked for."

"Bennett signed the agreement to acquire the last five percent of Starlight Corp's shares just half an hour ago."

"He thinks he's won."

Listening to Richard, I walked to the massive floor-to-ceiling window.

Beyond the glass, the night stretched endlessly.

"Is that so?"

In the reflection, my own face stared back—cold, with a flicker of something darker curling at the edges of my smile.

"Then let him dream a little longer."

"After all… the fall from hell is best savored slowly."